Fortunately for GAP the building is fitted with an automatic sprinkler system that was designed and installed by Grinnell UK. Upon detection of the fire the system operated as designed and the fire was extinguished by 1 sprinkler head.

The system is also maintained by Grinnell UK and our maintenance engineer visited the site within 4 hours of the initial call to ensure that it was recommissioned and reinstated as soon as possible. On arrival our engineer found that the fire brigade had installed a replacement sprinkler but unfortunately it was the incorrect type. The sprinkler was changed and the system put back in working order.

Grinnell UK's Service Dept Manager, Mr Andrew Monk, said "It is nice to know that the systems we all work hard to design, install and maintain do what they are supposed to when needed. Well done everyone involved"

The site is a 33 acre complex and is used as the main UK distribution warehouse facility for a GAP. The warehouse is 58,000m² in area and includes goods receiving, storage, sortation and distribution areas plus offices and has been designed to give a clear internal height of 12m.

The whole facility is protected by a sprinkler system designed by Grinnell UK to Factory Mutual rules and a very comprehensive client specification using Grinnell K25 and K14 ESFR sprinklers over the storage areas and Grinnell extra large orifice sprinklers in the receiving, sortation and shipping areas. In addition there is supplementary protection below mezzanines, manual picking stations, racking and conveyors.